Valentines Day is almost here, but you are not too late to create a fun, romantic and memorable getaway for that someone special.  Check out the ideas below.

1.  Chocolate is a Valentines Day staple…but how about custom designed M&Ms?  It is not too late to have these delectable little chocolates embossed with a romantic image or phrase.  Choose the color, choose the words, choose the picture.  One idea, use these little candies to propose.   Giving an entire pound of M&Ms embossed with “Marry Me” not just clever, but memorable.  What a great story to tell you grandkids!

Order Here!    http://www.mymms.com/holidays/valentines_day.aspx

2.  You can say love without ever saying a word….have a dozen read roses delivered with a special card attached.  This is a timeless way to say I love you.  For an extra added touch, tuck a gift certificate to a romantic restaurant among the buds and spend the evening out.

3.  Do a scavenger hunt.  This is always fun and can be very affordable.  Collect lots of fun little gifts:  a cute little teddy bear sporting I Love You on his t-shirt, a small spray of fresh flowers, romantic cards (homemade is good)…..be creative.  Send that special someone on the treasure hunt that leads to…..

4.  A weekend getaway.  Valentines Day is time to get away…away from friends, family, kids, work…the world….and just spend time together.  Choose a local inn or bed and breakfast and let them help you create the perfect weekend.  Innkeepers usually have 2 to 10 rooms and they not only specialize in personal service….they thrive on it.  Innkeepers are familiar with the best local florist, most romantic restaurant, most romantic couples massage package.  Your innkeeper can help you put together the perfect weekend.

Your Innkeeper can:

• Place those M&Ms strategically on the nightstand…where he/she will be sure to notice them
• Position those red roses next to the romantic fireplace and  add your romantic card
• Drop that very last hint from your scavenger hunt by the big jetted tub for two, complete with scented bath salts and soft music.

More and more innkeepers are discovering the value of Facebook and Twitter.  Keeping up with friends and family via social media is easy and fun, but consider following your favorite restaurant, boutique or B&B.  What you can learn from Facebook is not only fun…it can be informative and profitable.  You never know when you will find the perfect spot for your next romantic getaway or the perfect spot for a family reunion.  Visit these 4 reasons to follow your favorite B&B on Facebook.

1.  Enjoy the view.    Most inns or Bed and Breakfasts are located in beautiful spots and afford views that most of us only dream of.  Travel through Washington and enjoy the natural beauty, post by post.

2.  Recipes.  Innkeepers are experts at creating beautiful, bountiful breakfasts, and they are always willing to share their favorite recipes.  Facebook is a great place to check out a photo of their newest creations….and follow a link to the recipe.  In this case, check out their YouTube Video with instructions….right on Facebook!

The Shepherd’s Inn Bed and Breakfast   

Enjoy making fruit filling just like this for crepes or pancakes with your favorite fruit!

3.  Weather  Miss the snow?  Wonder what Orcas Island looks like covered in 12 inches of pristine snow?  Wind, rain, waves, rainbows, stormy sunsets…Better than a weather report.  Let innkeepers share their seasons with you.

4.  Latest Special, Deals or Values   Everyone likes to save money, and Facebook gives innkeepers the chance to let you know about upcoming holiday packages and also those great last minute money saving deals.  If you have a favorite B&B, follow them on Twitter or “Like” them on Facebook.  More and more innkeepers are connecting with their guests through social media.

A Hidden Haven Special! Book Two Nights Get Third Night Free! Not to include holidays. Call toll free 1 877 418 0938 mention facebook. Offer ends December 31st 2011.

If you weren’t on Facebook you missed this one time offer from Sleeping Bulldog offered last fall.

Sleeping Bulldog Bed and Breakfast

The viaduct is closing for nine days on Friday. For those in West Seattle who want to avoid the traffic how about a stay vacation here!?! 20% off for those who live in West Seattle. Two night minimum stay required.  (Sorry, this offer has expired)

The most efficient way to keep up with the very best Bed and Breakfast Inns in Washington is by visiting  http://wbbg.com/. Find a bed and breakfast, inspected and approved and reserve your next getaway online right from our website.  Wanna learn more about our innkeepers, hear from their guests and see what they have to offer?  Visit our inns on Facebook and “Like” the best of Washington, one inn at a time.

Join small business owners on Saturday, November 26 and support your local economy.  On the busiest shopping weekend of the year, visit a local small business and help make a difference.  Many of us think of the small gift shop or specialty clothing store, but don’t forget all the other choices you have: the hardward store, the pharmacy, the pizzeria or corner bakery…buy flowers from the local florist…there are a number of ways to participate.

Join small business owners on Saturday, November 26 and support your local economy.  On the busiest shopping weekend of the year, visit a local small business and help make a difference.  Many of us think of the small gift shop or specialty clothing store, but don’t forget all the other choices you have: the hardward store, the pharmacy, the pizzeria or corner bakery…buy flowers from the local florist…there are a number of ways to participate.

If you plan to make a weekend of shopping, then consider a short getaway.  Visit a local bed and breakfast and enjoy the personal service, great food and all the small special touches you find when you choose to avoid the “chain” hotels.

Why a small business?

1.  They are people just like you. They live, work and raise their families in your community.  They pay taxes, employee your neighbors and they often shop for everything from organic eggs, fine linens and tasty coffee from other local small businesses.  When you support one small business, you are often supporting a number of others with this “waterfall” effect.

2.  Small business supports your community.  Look at the logo on the back of your son or daughter”s soccer league jersey.  Read the “Thank You” notes tacked to the wall at your corner pizzeria from the local boy scout troop after the generous donation to their fundraising drive.  Consider how often you bid on a weekend getaway donated by a local bed and breakfast to your favorite non-profit organization.  Small businesses get involved.

3.  Get a deal!  Don’t overlook the small business for the best deal.  Sometimes the deal is price, but often it is service.  When dealing with a local business….they want you to return again and again.  They want to be sure you are happy.  They want to give you the best product, best service, best experience possible.  They want more than just your money…they want an ongoing relationship.

So, how can you become involved.  First, visit  http://smallbusinesssaturday.com/  a site created by American Express, the sponsor of Small Business Saturday and learn more.

Next,  ”Like” this and support through Facebook.  Share the link with your friends and get them involved.  http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday

Watch this video and learn why we are celebrating Small Business Saturday again this year.  http://youtu.be/wBJJUWt47rk

Doom and gloom.  It is everywhere…cable news, local tv, magazines, newspapers and every genre of radio.   Even blogs will tell you just how bad the economy is.  Many small businesses are suffering.  Many will not survive.

I talk to a lot of innkeepers, all across the United States, and for many of them, business is good.  Yes, many have seen better years,  but for a large segment of the Bed and Breakfast industry, business is good….and getting better.   Although a number of innkeepers report a slow and disappointing spring 2011, they are thrilled that summer business did pick up and guests are returning and new people are discovering the delight of staying in a bed and breakfast.

So, in today’s doom and gloom economy, why are our innkeepers staying busy, when other businesses are closing, laying off employees or cutting back in 2011.

1.  Local travel.  Considering the escalating costs of air travel and the average price at the pump fluctuating daily, many people are choosing to travel local, often times driving less than 2 hours from home.  Guests are discovering the beauty and charm that is literally “in their own backyard.”  Local travel is less stressful, more cost effective and promotes your local economy.  Bed and breakfasts are located in some of the most beautiful small towns, bustling urban centers and pastoral centers in the country.

2.  Personal service.  After wading through refinancing their mortgages, performance reviews at work, balancing and re-balancing the family budget, people want personal service.  They want someone to help:  help make room choices or dinner reservations.  After making countless critical decisions in day to day life, they want someone to hand them a map, offer helpful hints and assist them with a stress free getaway.  Innkeepers chose this business because they love to help.  Introducing guests to their local restaurants, parks and favorite spots is a favorite task of bnb owners.  They are the experts and want to share their best with you…and they won’t charge you extra for it.

3.  Exceptional value.  Bed and breakfasts have always  offered real value for your hard earned dollar, but today, more than ever, they strive to make your trip “worth it”.  These are hard working, small business people that understand how important every dollar is. Innkeepers take great time and care in creating your breakfast, preparing your room and having plenty of local information at your fingertips.  They work hard to make your stay not just enjoyable, but memorable.

Speaking of all those $$$…. Although you will find that many innkeepers offer last minute values or special packages, you probably won’t see the same type of deep, deep last minute discounts offered by large hotel chains.  Remember, a bed and breakfast is just one inn, usually family owned and operated.  Every dollar counts to them….just like it does to you.  They can’t depend on the profits of one set of 100 hotels in one part of the country offsetting losses in another.   There is no big corporate office to manage profits and losses across 1000 hotels.  They work hard daily to offer you freshly brewed coffee, delectable breakfast offerings,  unique amenities and truly personal service. This is their job and oftentimes their only source of income.  One big difference between your local bed and breakfast and a chain hotel…if you have a question, need something special or just aren’t pleased with some part of your stay, you don’t need to send an email to customerservice@a majorhotelchain.com.   Just ask the innkeeper.  Just tell then what you need.  Give them your opinion.   Ask them for information.  They are there, ready and willing to make your stay more than just a value.  No far off corporate office here.  At a bed and breakfast you always know that your are valued by those “at the top”….the owners!

In today’s world, people need a break.  In today’s economy, more than ever, they need a value.  Visit a local bed and breakfast.  Take a break and discover real value.  Discover why there is no doom and gloom at your local bed and breakfast.  The pillows are fluffed, the coffee is fresh and hot and the cookies just popped out of the oven.  What are you waiting for?

LaConner WA

This year we planned a trip to the Pacific Northwest with stops in Seattle, the San Juan Islands, LaConner, as well as the Olympic Peninsula.  We really wanted to include Walla Walla, but there is just so much to see and so little time…we figured we would visit the Washington Wine Country via the Columbia River Gorge next year.  Life happens and we had to cancel our trip.

I am sad.  This was going to be a good…no a great trip.  No matter how much time I spend in Washington state, I ALWAYS look forward to returning.  The weather is mild, the scenery is beautiful, the cities are interesting and the people are friendly and fun.  Did I mention the food?  Fresh, local, organic…great chefs, eclectic restaurants and seafood…oh the seafood.

Well, since I did not get to take my trip, I thought I would share my itinerary with you.  After all, why let all that planning go to waste.

1.  Arrive at SeaTac and head downtown.  Just take the Central Link light rail to Seattle.  This is convenient and affordable.  No need to drive into town and hunt for a place to park.  Take advantage of Seattle’s exceptional transit system and live like a local.  You can easily take a bus or taxi to a number of wonderful bed and breakfasts located in some of Seattle’s most desirable neighborhood.  Choose one of these wonderful Seattle BnBs.   If you would rather rent a car, choose one of our charming BnBs located within minutes of SeaTac.  They make a great place to start or end your trip if you are flying.

2.  After staying in one of the Seattle BnBs, we planned to rent a car downtown and head north up I-5.  Our destination, LaConner, a charming artist community located on a quiet channel off the sound.  This small, quaint town is a great place start your Washington state adventure.  Stroll the historic Main Street, dine in my favorite restaurant, Nell Thorn, and wake up the next morning to a steaming cup of coffee and freshly prepared breakfast at one of our local inns.

3.  Next, travel to Bellingham via Chuckanut Drive.  Wind through Bow/Edison and stock up on freshly baked breads, artisan cheeses from Samish Bay Cheese and some of the finest baked goods from the Farm to Market Bakery.  Bow/Edison is a favorite of cyclists, hikers and anyone who enjoys fresh, organic food and spectacular views of the sound.  After visiting the quaint shops and fine restaurants in Fairview, just below Bellingham, visit one of our delightful bed and breakfasts and enjoy the views of Mount Baker.

From here you can easily visit British Columbia….Vancouver, Whistler or even take a ferry to Victoria and Vancouver Island.  Whatever you choose, all roads….and ferries lead back to Washington state and more great adventures.

Next….What to do on the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsula.

Join me as I discover Washington, one windy lane, one organic bakery and one breathtaking view….at a time.

Shelburne Inn

Lots of people think about purchasing a bed and breakfast.  Many dream of early retirement, financial independence and a more casual lifestyle.  For many the very idea of giving up the early morning commute, 8:00am  meetings, lunch at a desk and endless deadlines has become more than a dream, it is now a goal.

There are a number of compelling reasons to buy your own business. Certainly a good case can be made for purchasing a bed and breakfast.  If you have ever considered….or dreamed of owning your own inn, then let me encourage you ….just a little!

Bosch Garten

1.  No commute.  With a 9-5 job your commute can be 15 minutes or 2 hours.  It can cost a little or a lot, depending on the price at the pump.  In a bnb, your commute is about…..3 minutes.  This usually involves opening a door, walking down the hall and….well, that is about it!

Cozy Rose

2.  No boring early morning meetings.  No more rushing to that early morning team meeting, notebook, iPad or Blackberry in hand, hoping they have fresh coffee because the line at the Starbucks drive thru was just TOO long that morning.  Meetings have been replaced by breakfast.  Granted, this takes a little skill.  Fluffy omelets, buttery croissants and poached pears don’t just magically appear.  Think about this…instead of setting up your powerpoint presentation in the conference room or logging into GotoMeeting, you actually present breakfast, to real people, who want to be there….and who are looking forward to it!  This brings me to ….

Otters Pond

3.  Leave the competitive rat race.  You know the person perched at the desk three cubicles down wants your job.  What if the other sales person beats the quota this month…will you be out?   Certainly many of your “team” members sitting at that round table hope YOU are the one downsized…and may just be happy to help make that happen.  Not so with a bed and breakfast.  Your guests want you to succeed.  They want you to come to work everyday.  If you do a great job, they will encourage you.  All those people sitting around the breakfast table in the morning gushing over your Cinnamon Coffee Cake and fresh strawberry parfait do not want to see you fail.  Granted a few may want your job, but that does not involve a meeting with human resources, a severance package or a boot out the door.  Most simply want to sit over a glass of Merlot or a cup of tea and find out just how you got your great job, anyway!

Boreas

4.  Make your own decisions.  Don’t you just hate it….you had a great idea, pitched it to your boss and that was it.  Nothing changed.  Nothing happened.  Business as usual.  In a bed and breakfast, you call the shots.  You make the rules.  You create your own world.  You decide what and when for breakfast.  Check in time…you decide.  King beds or Queen, you decide.  Flatscreens and cable, wireless internet, rocking chairs on the front porch…yep, you decide.  Do you want to work on Christmas, Thanksgiving or even your birthday?  No…then go to your computer, flip on that reservation system, check a few blocks and voila!  Suddenly your inn is “closed” the day of your 25th anniversary.  No clearing it with the boss, applying for vacation time or switching shifts.  You decide and you make it happen.

Swantown Inn

5.  Do you like the people you work with?  Innkeepers do. Innkeepers generally like their guests.  Guests are fun, interesting people with great stories.  Welcoming guests into your inn is like bringing the world to your doorstep.   Conversation with guests goes two ways…they really want to know about you and you want to know about them.  You can meet the most interesting, surprising and unique people as an innkeeper.  This leads me to…

The Blue Goose

6.  Guests only stay a few days.   You know there is always that one person at work you just wish would go away.  When they are on vacation, your life is just so much nicer.   Perhaps they have incredibly annoying habits…maybe they are loud or just plain inconsiderate.  If you work with them, then chances are, you will see them everyday….all day….over and over again.  Not so with guests.  Guests only stay a day…or two…or maybe even five.  The truth is, with hundreds…even thousands of people stopping by your inn, there are some that you will like better than others.  The other truth is that everyone, even your absolute favorite people will at some point check out and go home.

A Harborview

This is just a very short list of “whys”.  Need some help with the where?  Follow this link and discover Washington and live your dream…one inn at a time.

Arlington's River Rock Inn

I actually started a blog several months ago about unique wedding venues in Washington state.  It was a nice little blog with pictures and links and information, but I just wasn’t “sold” on the content so it never got published.  I really did not have any experience in wedding planning. That was the problem.

A Hidden Haven

Well, all that has changed!  My daughter is getting married in January, 2012 and I am the wedding planner, mother of the bride, host, creative consultant, errand “boy”, official cake taster (really liking this part)  and, best of all, budget and finance director.    Since we are fairly early in the process, I am not even sure what new responsibility will turn up next.   Consider all of the above and then add to that, that the bride and groom live in Dallas, TX and the wedding is here, in our present home town, Charleston, SC.  So, not only am I the

Shafer Baillie Mansion

executive director of the biggest event in my daughter’s life (at least up to this point) but we are having a long distance “wedding planning relationship”.    After only a few days of internet surfing, driving around in circles, emails, phone calls and lunches with friends, I have come to a conclusion:

• This is stressful
• I want to be less stressed
• I need to find someone to help.

A Cottage Creek

So, back to my original blog about inns and bed and breakfasts that do weddings.  I do believe I am going to take my own advice. That blog that never got published outlined some pretty good reasons for choosing a bed and breakfast or inn for your wedding venue.  Now is the time to share my thoughts…since I am becoming more experienced by the hour.

There are a number of reasons to choose a bed and breakfast inn for your venue.

Camano Island Inn

1.  Location.  Most BnBs are situated in beautiful areas with spectacular views, ample privacy and real authentic charm.  Forget expensive decorations or creative lighting.  Enjoy the natural beauty of the setting as well as the ambiance already created by a thoughtful innkeeper.

Pine River Ranch

2. Excellent lodging.  Whether you need rooms for the wedding party, the mother of the bride, or your grandparents from Boise….you will be guaranteed great accommodations and personalized service.  If you are the mother of the bride, or even the bride, you do not have time to personally care for every out of town guest…let the innkeeper do it…they are pros at this stuff and they genuinely want to do it.

Roberts Mansion

3.  Someone to help with your special day.  Most BnBs that do weddings have guidelines, just like all other venues.  When you choose a BnB, you are choosing that innkeeper to help you organize your day and keep things on track.  Most will sit down with you, discuss exactly how you want your day to go and then will assist you.  If a BnB does weddings, then they want to do “perfect” weddings…that is just how innkeepers are.

The Swantown Inn

4.  Package it up and tie it in a nice little bow.  Many inns have wedding packages.  This helps you organize your day, set your vision and stay within your budget.  Packages can include flowers, wedding cake, decorations, officiant, as well as spa packages for the bride/groom or wedding party, receptions catered in house and overnight accommodations.  A BnB can become your “one stop shop” for your big event.  Think stress free planning here!

The Fairgate

5.  Your innkeeper really is information central.  Innkeepers know their area.  Innkeepers who do weddings know what makes a great wedding at their property.  Let them suggest the most talented florist,  the most trusted caterer, the most creative bakery. Need music?  They know someone.  Need more rooms for your wedding party?  They will suggest the best additional accommodations in the area.  Need a perfect place for that bachelor party…I suspect they will have a suggestion for that too.

Charles Nelson Guesthouse

There are a number of inns and bed and breakfast in Washington that would love to welcome you and your wedding party.   Discover Washington and search for that special place for your big event…..one romantic inn at a time.

Carson Ridge

Groveland Cottage

Cameo Heights Mansion

The Abel House

Doveshire Bed and Breakfast

Harrison House Suites

Take this opportunity to celebrate how the women of the Pacific Northwest helped shape the future of the United States.  A new book entitled, Winning the West for Women The Life of Suffragist Emma Smith Devoe, by Dr. Jennifer Ross-Nazzal,  features a local Tacoma woman.   Her impressive achievements at the turn of the century changed the lives of women both then and today.

Devoe Mansion, a grande bed and breakfast listed on the National Historic Register is hosting a book signing, showcasing this beautiful inn as well as it’s namesake, Emma Smith Devoe.  Join Dr. Ross-Nazzal as she discusses the important role women played in the suffrage movement at the turn of the century.  Then take a tour of this elegant, historic home.

When:  Saturday, June 18

Where:  Devoe Mansion, Tacoma, WA

Cost:  Admission is only $2.00 or one canned good per person.  All proceeds will be donated to FISH Food Banks of Pierce County

Learn more about this event and other happenings at Devoe Mansion…check out their blog.

Join us as we celebrate history, support the works of Dr. Ross-Nazzal and help those in need through FISH.

Devoe Mansion is just one example of historic inns in Washington that not only graciously open their home to guests, but strive to make a difference in our community.

Discover the history of Washington….one historic home at a time.

Today I am flying.  I started in South Carolina and will eventually end up in Texas.    This means:

• Getting up early for my 6:00am flight.
• Driving to the airport
• Paying for airport parking
• Figuring out the latest and greatest check in procedure for my airline
• Paying to check my bag
• Going thru security.  (no details here, but the whole body scan thing is kinda creepy)
• Lining up to board and hoping there will be some overhead space for my little back pack
• Trying to juggle this laptop,my coffee, and the stale muffin I purchased for breakfast on the tray table while the 6ft guy in front of me stretches out to sleep
• Freezing my little feet off because the air conditioning on my plane is set for penguins
• Hoping that I will not need to head to the bathroom, in the back of the plane just as the flight attendant passes me with the 500 lb cart blocking the aisle.
• Trying not to sing out loud to my favorite song, earplugs from my iPad jammed in my ears.  All this to drown out the sound of the jet engines perched at my left shoulder
• Spending 4 hours in the airport in Houston while waiting for my connecting flight.  The airline changed flight times at the last minute, thus extending an already ample layover time
• People watching and enjoying an herbal tea in the Houston Airport (This is the fun part of the trip)
• Boarding yet another, even smaller plane with propellers that sound eerily like my lawnmower
• Landing in central Texas in summer…this means one bumpy ride
• Begging a ride from friends
• Finally arriving at my destination.  No matter how nice it is, I am now hot, tired and irritable….not to mention broke.  Plane flights, checked luggage, airport parking fees and the occasional quick airport breakfast spells time for a second mortgage or maybe a second job!

Now, I could have chosen to travel locally.  You know, hop in my car, drive a few hours to

China Beach Retreat

some charming small town destination and finally arriving at some quaint bed and breakfast.  Why would I want to do that?

• Check in probably isn’t until 3:00pm.  I can wake up at a reasonable hour, take a leisurely drive, stopping along the way.  No hurry.  I can choose my route, travel the back roads.  Unwind.
• I choose who I sit next to.  You do not have this option when flying.  Enough said!
• I choose when I stop.  There will not be a “beverage cart” blocking my way.
• My bag is in the trunk.  I put it there myself.  That is free.
• No long layovers, lines or security checks.
• Parking is free at my BnB.  No claim checks, numbers or pay to park machines.
• When I arrive at my favorite local BnB, there is someone there to greet me, with a smile, not a metal detector.
• I can look forward to a great night’s rest and innkeepers who are truly happy to welcome me.  When is the last time you felt your flight attendant was REALLY happy to serve you coffee.
• Speaking of coffee, no fear that the innkeeper will spill coffee on your laptop or Kindle while he/she controls the cart now blocking the aisle.
• Finally, when my trip is over I get to do it all over again….leisurely drive, bag in the trunk for free, taking the backroads, singing out loud and arriving home when I want to.  No layovers or weather delays to complicate things.

Travel should be fun, relaxing and an adventure.   Search for a vacation spot a little closer to home.  Take the road less traveled.  Turn up the radio, roll down the windows and sing a little.

Take the time to discover Washington one inn down that less traveled road….at a time.

Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner.   Lots of people travel on Memorial Day.  Airports are crowded and roads can be busy.  Certainly it is a great time to hop on I-5 and visit BC or head to Oregon, our beautiful neighbors to the north and south.  Considering that the holiday is only days away, and that traffic will be heavy….consider the road less traveled.  Although it may seem like the last minute….let us help you plan.

Spending Memorial Day Weekend here….at home…in Washington has several advantages.

1.  You can travel the state end to end, east to west in 5 hours and see everything from water to mountains with high desert in between.

2.  No matter where you are, there is someplace fun only 2 hours away.  Really, just look at a map.   Take a family vacation in Seattle. Visit the Seattle Art Museum, be a tourist at Pike Place Market or see what the Seattle Center has to offer.  There is a reason people visit Seattle from all over the world.

3.  Beach. Head to the Coast or visit the Long Beach  (or sometimes known as Fun Beach!) peninsula.  There are plenty of places to stay, great food and seemingly endless beach to walk.

4.  Extra ferries this weekend.  Washington state is well prepared for those traveling to the San Juan Islands.  They have added extra ferry runs, to make heading to Orcas or Friday Harbor a little easier this holiday.

5.  Wine tours.  Take this long weekend and visit Walla Walla, Yakima, Grandview and all points in between for a leisurely wine tour.  It is a beautiful drive and great restaurants abound.

6.  Spend the weekend in the great outdoors.   The Columbia River Gorge is an outdoor paradise anytime.  Fresh air, beautiful scenery and spectacular views….and waterfalls…..all good reasons to head south.  How about Forks for great fishing as well as hiking.  Consider Spokane, where the fishing and hiking opportunities abound (as well as dining and shopping for those who are “fishing” challenged.

7.  Ski to Sea Race, Whatcom  Wine Tours and Ski to Sea Festival  in Bellingham.  Check it out.

Spend your weekend in Washington and let one of our innkeepers suggest the perfect weekend getaway.    Whether you like to hike and fish, wine and dine, stroll the beach, or immerse yourself in local culture and urban activity…we have an inn for you….and I just checked and some still have a room waiting just for you.

Start you plan here….it is never too late to getaway and sometimes those last minute trips are the very best.  Let one of our innkeepers help you with those last minute plans.

This year discover Memorial Day in Washington….one charming inn and one even more charming innkeeper at a time!